"The Dog Park at Haulover Park marks the fourth regional dog park that the Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department has opened, said MDPR Director Jack Kardys. "Through the commitment and support of our park partners, we can look forward to fully-developing this site."

Phase one was developed in partnership with the Bal Harbour Village.  The 3.3-acre dog park features separate enclosures for small and large dogs to exercise off-leash, that are accessible to people with disabilities. There are also dog and people water fountains and 'pooper scooper' stations with plastic bag dispensers and waste cans, so owners can pick up after their dogs.  The project was funded with Safe Neighborhood Park and Building Better Communities bonds, totaling $175,000.

Future development will include connecting walkways, shade structures, a small pavilion, picnic areas, doggie splash pads and play equipment, shade trees, landscaping, and an information kiosk that will display dog park events and activities.

"The dog park will be a great addition to Haulover Park," said Commissioner Heyman.  "Now dog owners in the neighboring beachside communities will have a place close by where they can take their dogs for exercise and recreation."

Pet Supermarket will be giving away a $50 gift card, each hour at the top of the hour, as well as free gifts to attendees, sample dog treats, and will raffle off a gift basket of pet supplies. In addition, existing Pet Supermarket VIP card members or anyone who signs up to become a VIP card member during the event, will receive complimentary parking for the day.

For directions to event, or information about upcoming activities and events at Haulover Park, call 305-940-6719, or visit the MDPR web site at www.miamidade.gov/parks.

 "This is a perfect example of how Miami Dade Parks has engaged our local businesses in public and private partnerships that make a difference in our community," said Kardys. "Pet Supermarket's desire to be a good corporate citizen and sponsor our dog parks will be a tremendous win for the pet owners in our community-the benefits of having a family owned organization that loves animals and provides for their every need will provide great opportunities for those who use our parks."

About MDPR Dog Parks
In 2007, Miami-Dade County developed a plan to construct several Dog or "Paw" Parks throughout the county, in response to community request for these facilities.  Dog owners can now stroll, run and play with their dogs at 13 neighborhood Dog Friendly Parks, so as long as their dogs are on a leash. MDPR appreciates how much dogs mean to their owners, and to help dog lovers enjoy their fun-loving barking pets outdoors Miami-Dade Parks offers three different types of parks to play in: Dog Friendly Parks (for leashed dogs) and Dog Parks (dogs can freely roam) and Dog Run Parks (for leashed dogs).

With the new Dog Park at Haulover Park and those at Tropical Park, Amelia Earhart Park and Greynolds Park, Miami-Dade Parks now has four regional dog parks.  A fifth regional dog park is currently being developed at West Kendall Park.

Miami-Dade Parks also offers one dog-run park at Lago Mar Park where dogs can run around unleashed but which doesn't provide the amenities found in a dog park.  There are 13 dog-friendly parks within the County's parks system that allow dog owners to visit the park with their dogs on a leash, and provide bag dispensers and waste baskets for owners to clean up after their dogs.  The 13 dog-friendly parks are Acadia Park, Biscayne Shores and Gardens Park, Deerwood Bonita Lakes Park, Kevin Broils Park, Kings Meadow Park, Military Trail Park, Olympic Park, Rockdale Park, San Jacinto Park, Snapper Creek Park, Spanish Lake Park, Tamiami Trail Park, and West Kendale Lakes Park.

About Haulover Park:
Haulover Park, of the Miami-Dade Park and Recreation system, is touted as one of South Florida's most beautiful beaches.  A mile and a half stretch of pristine white sand shores, beautifully landscaped sand dunes and open ocean surf, make it the ideal spot for sun-bathing, swimming or surfing.  The entire beach is guarded by trained lifeguards, who will inform beach patrons of existing weather and surf conditions.  Park visitors can enjoy the array of amenities, including shaded picnic facilities, seaside concessions, sundries/kite shops, a full-service marina and six lighted tennis courts.

About the Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department
Nationally accredited, a three-time winner of the National Gold Medal Award, 2009 Florida Governor's Sterling Award winner for excellence in management and operations, Miami-Dade Parks is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 263 parks and more than 12,848 acres of land.  It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world.  Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises out-of-school, sports-development, and summer-camp programs; programs for seniors and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate at Cutler; the Crandon Tennis Center, home of the Sony Ericsson Open; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more.